Green Bay vs Atlanta: Packers Guru Instant Analysis

The drama at Lambeau Field lasted much longer than expected Monday night as the Atlanta Falcons rallied from a 31-7 halftime deficit to pull within six of the Green Bay Packers late in the fourth quarter. But, thanks to Aaron Rodgers and a dominant offense the Packers were able to run out clock in the final minutes via first downs runs by Rodgers and James Starks to hang on for a critical 43-37 win.

Rodgers once again keyed the Packer victory leading the offense to over 500 total yards after throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 28 yards including one with less than two minutes to play.

All night, Atlanta had no answer for Rodgers who hooked up with Jordy Nelson for two touchdowns including a 60-yard bomb in the fourth quarter that appeared to put the game away.

While there are no complaints about winning any game in the NFL. The Packers have to be concerned by the performance of the defense after it surrendered 465 yards to the Falcons and 30 second half points. Julio Jones alone had 250 receiving yards on 10 catches. The lack of pass rush was evident by the Packers and the inability to put the game away defensively against a 5-7 team has to be a worrisome.

Yet, with the win the Packers stay atop the NFC North and are tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the best record in the NFC.

Up next is a crucial road game at Buffalo against the 7-6 Bills. It’s a must win for Green Bay if the Packers want to stave off the surging Seattle Seahawks for the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Not that the Packers aren’t capable of winning at Seattle but if the two teams play in the post season I like Green Bay’s chances much more at Lambeau than at Qwest Field.

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I am a Montana sports reporter who is obsessed with the Green Bay Packers. I've been blogging about the team since 2011. My work has been seen on the Bleacher Report, Fox Sports and USA Today, among other websites. Currently, a staff writer at cheeseheadtv.com